Device for the electrical connection between a flexible band-like conductor and the end contacts of an electrical energy utilizing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Device for the electrical connection of a flexible band-like conductor with the end contacts of an electrical energy utilizing apparatus, such a switch or a plug, made up of a small-sized block, consisting of plastic material of rectangular cross section, provided with a cross through-opening in which there is inserted a flexible generally U-shaped spring which brings the end of the band-like conductor into contact with the terminal shaped like a plate of an utilization apparatus, being both introduced into said opening.

United States Patent Codrino July 8, 1975 DEVICE FOR THE ELECTRICAL [56] References Cited CONNECTION BETWEEN A FLEXIBLE UNITED STATES PATENTS BAND-LIKE CONDUCTOR AND THE END 3,l02,767 9/l963 Schneck v. 339/l76 MF CONTACTS OF AN ELECTRICAL ENERGY 3,144,288 8/l964 Grant l l 4 339/l76 MF UTILIZING APPARATUS 3.478307 ll/l969 Testo t i v .7 339/244 R 3.614.707 10/1971 Kaufmann 339/l76 MF lnvemorr pp Codrmo, Qualwrdlo, 3.671543 6/1972 Garner 339/174 Alessandria, Italy 22 Filed: Oct. 16 1974 Primary Examiner-Joseph H. McGlynn Altorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker [21] Appl. No.1 515,419

Related us. Application Data [571 ABSTRACT [63] Continuation of Sen No- 328.625 Feb 1 1973 Device for the electrical connection ofa flexible bandabandone like conductor with the end contacts of an electrical energy utilizing apparatus, such a switch or a plug, [30] Foreign A li fi priority Data made up of a small-sized block, consisting of plastic Mar 8 1972 Italy 22075/72 material of rectangular cross section, provided with a cross through-opening in which there is inserted a flexible generally U-shaped spring which brings the 52 U. Cl. 33 244 R, 339 258 R E CL 9/ Hon/13,12 end of the band-hke conductor into contact with the [58] Field 244 255 terminal shaped like a plate of an utilization appara- 339/256 tus, being both introduced into said opening.

7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures DEVICE FOR THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN A FLEXIBLE BAND-LIKE CONDUCTOR AND THE END CONTACTS OF AN ELECTRICAL ENERGY UTILIZING APPARATUS This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 328,625, filed Feb. 1, 1973, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a device, adapted to perform the electrical connection between a band-like type flexible conductor and the end contacts of an electrical energy utilizing apparatus, such as a switch, a plug, etc.

Also the manufacturing method of said connecting device is an integral part of the present invention.

As well known flexible band-like or ribbon conductors are being used at present for conducting electrical energy, particularly in the motor car manufacturing industry.

Said conductors consist essentially of a thin band of plastic material serving as support means, on which there is applied a film, consisting of a good electricity conducting material.

The aforementioned conductive layer is then coated and protected with a further film of insulating plastic material.

The thus obtained electrical conductor has clear practical advantages of eased application: as a matter of fact, it will just suffice to have a simple adhesive layer to apply it to any flat surface whatever, being non excessively rough.

The utilization of a band-like conductor gives, however, rise to the problem of its connection to the utilizing apparatuses.

Said connection cannot in fact be advantageously performed by the devices being at present used, which base themselves on the principle that the conductors consist of a metal wire, a braid or other cable of circular cross section anyway.

The connection of said conductors to a socket or a plug is carried out by devices which lose their practical character if the conductors themselves are of band-like type.

The device according to the present invention is instead devised and used, principally if not exclusively, for the electrical connection of band-like conductors with the terminals of any utilization apparatus.

More accurately, the device of this invention shows a particular shape, permitting to bring the end portion of a band-like conductor into contact with a plate, connected electrically to the aforesaid utilization apparatus.

Said device is constituted of a small-sized block, consisting of plastic material or any other insulating material, and provided with a suitably shaped slot, wherein the terminal of an electrical apparatus may be inserted.

The above-mentioned terminal comes directly in contact with the band-like conductor and is held in such contact by a generally U-shaped spring, constituting an elastic member to serve as a grip means for the terminal itself and disposed inside said slot.

The spring also serves as holding means for the terminal of the utilization apparatus.

These and further features of a functional and constructional nature of the device according to the present inventin for the electrical connection of band-like conductors could be better understood from the following detailed description and the various figures on the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows in a schematical form the cross section of the connecting device of this invention;

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 represented by way of illustration the cross sections of some possible modifications relating to the shape of the slot formed in the insulating block and the profile of the elastic conducting and/or holding spring for the end contact of an utilization apparatus.

Referring now particularly to the numeral symbols of the various figures on the accompanying drawing, the connecting device of this invention consists of a block I of plastic material or other insulating material, showing preferably a rectangular cross section.

In the body of said block there is formed a throughopening 2, showing preferably at least one recess 3 on the side wall, in which there is inserted an end part 4 of one leg of a generally U-shaped spring, for example, leaf spring 5.

Between the other leg of said generally U-shaped spring 5 and the wall of the opening 2 being opposite the recess 3 enters the end 6 of the band-like conductor 7, which, obviously, is deprived of the insulating layer, with which it is normally covered.

Between the end 6 of the conductor and the wall of the hole 2 there is then inserted the terminal 8, shaped like a plate of an utilization apparatus 9, thereby building the electrical connection between the band-like conductor and the apparatus itself. In said connector the spring 5 holds the end 6 of the conductor together with the terminal 8 of an utilization apparatus.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 there are shown some alternative embodiments of the above-described connecting device; as may be seen in FIG. 2, for example, the terminal 8 may be inserted between two mutually opposite surfaces of the spring 5, which is such case is folded up twice, retaining with one of its ends the head 6 of the band-like conductor 7 against the wall of the opening 2.

Naturally, in said embodiment it is necessary that the spring 5 consist of good electrically conducting material.

The connectors illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 differ from that in FIG. 2 as to the shape of the opening 2, recess 3 and plate 5.

From the foregoing and perusal of the various figures on the accompanying drawing one may clearly see the great functional advantage and practical application of the electrical connecting device for band-like conductors according to the present invention.

The connecting device of this invention has been described and represented in some preferred embodiment forms by way of non-limiting example.

Obviously, several changes and modifications as to shape, dimension and construction might be introduced in the device of this invention, without departing from the scope of this invention.

It is, of course, understood that any such changes and modifications should be deemed as pertaining to the protective scope of this patent application.

1 claim:

1. An electrical connector for connecting a flexible ribbon-like conductor with a rigid terminal of an electrical energy utilizing apparatus, comprising a block of electrically insulating material having an opening and a first and a second abutment means; and a single generally U-shaped spring accommodated in said opening and having one leg resiliently bearing against a surface of said block which defines said opening, and a second leg making electrical contact between said ribbon-like conductor and said terminal when the latter is inserted in a first direction into said opening, one of said legs having a leg portion which engages said first abutment means so as to prevent said spring from axially moving out of said opening in a second direction opposite to said first direction, and a bight portion engaging said second abutment means so as to prevent said spring from axially moving through said opening in said first direction without stressing said spring.

2. An electrical connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said first abutment means is a projection partially extending into said opening and has a first lateral edge which engages said leg portion and a front edge which cooperates with said resilient leg, whereby said spring is prevented from axial movement in said second direction.

3. An electrical connector as defined in claim I, wherein said second abutment means is a protrusion partially extending into said opening and has a second lateral edge which engages at least a portion of said bight portion, whereby said spring is prevented from axially moving through said opening in said first direction.

4. An electrical connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said second leg resiliently bears against at least a portion of said ribbon-like conductor, so as to make electrical contact between said ribbon-like conductor and said terminal when the latter is inserted in said first direction.

5. An electrical connector as defined in claim 4, wherein said spring is made of electrically conductive material.

6. An electrical connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said spring has an inner surface, and wherein said terminal is inserted into direct electrical contact with a portion of said inner surface.

7. An electrical connector as defined in claim 6, wherein said spring is folded over twice so as to define two inner surfaces, and wherein said terminal is inserted between said two inner surfaces. 

1. An electrical connector for connecting a flexible ribbon-like conductor with a rigid terminal of an electrical energy utilizing apparatus, comprising a block of electrically insulating material having an opening and a first and a second abutment means; and a single generally U-shaped spring accommodated in said opening and having one leg resiliently bearing against a surface of said block which defines said opening, and a second leg making electrical contact between said ribbon-like conductor and said terminal when the latter is inserted in a first direction into said opening, one of said legs having a leg portion which engages said first abutment means so as to prevent said spring from axially moving out of said opening in a second direction opposite to said first direction, and a bight portion engaging said second abutmenT means so as to prevent said spring from axially moving through said opening in said first direction without stressing said spring.
 2. An electrical connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said first abutment means is a projection partially extending into said opening and has a first lateral edge which engages said leg portion and a front edge which cooperates with said resilient leg, whereby said spring is prevented from axial movement in said second direction.
 3. An electrical connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said second abutment means is a protrusion partially extending into said opening and has a second lateral edge which engages at least a portion of said bight portion, whereby said spring is prevented from axially moving through said opening in said first direction.
 4. An electrical connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said second leg resiliently bears against at least a portion of said ribbon-like conductor, so as to make electrical contact between said ribbon-like conductor and said terminal when the latter is inserted in said first direction.
 5. An electrical connector as defined in claim 4, wherein said spring is made of electrically conductive material.
 6. An electrical connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said spring has an inner surface, and wherein said terminal is inserted into direct electrical contact with a portion of said inner surface.
 7. An electrical connector as defined in claim 6, wherein said spring is folded over twice so as to define two inner surfaces, and wherein said terminal is inserted between said two inner surfaces. 